Lava lamps can stop working when the wax is not flowing as it is supposed to.
This can lead to disconcerting results that are difficult to manage. The best-case scenario is to find a way to get the lava lamp wax unstuck to ensure it doesn’t ruin the lamp.
This is key if you are worried about how the lava lamp wax is stuck at the top.
The best solution for lava lamp wax stuck at the top is to place a higher wattage bulb, move the lava lamp around, and use heat to melt the wax. This should allow the wax to begin flowing downwards instead of being stuck at the top.
It’s not going to be a quick fix.
You will have to take your time and complete each step methodically. As long as you do this, the lava lamp should be good to go and is going to work the way you want it to.
This article will provide a step-by-step breakdown of how to fix stuck lava lamp wax.
Table of Contents
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How To Fix Stuck Lava Lamp Wax
1. Use a Hairdryer or Heat Source
You will have to use heat to get the lava lamp wax unstuck.
A common issue people deal with is the heat becomes stuck near the top and then the surrounding environment is cold. This adds to the problem as the wax ends up solidifying inside the lava lamp and becomes difficult to fix.
A lot of people in this situation need to find a viable heat source.
The goal is to melt the lava lamp wax to get it unstuck. This is done by placing it near a heat source and then melting it similarly to how you would with a block of ice.
If there is enough heat, it will eventually cause the lava lamp wax to become unstuck. Be patient while doing this and keep moving the heat source to protect the glass.
2. Move The Lava Lamp Gently
You will also want to take the time to move the lava lamp in a circular motion.
The idea behind doing this is to get the lava lamp wax to move due to gravity. If there is enough movement, this could be enough to get the wax to fall.
It is not going to happen right away but this tends to work well when you use it alongside the heat method. When you do both things in combination, it is likely the wax is not going to resist for too long and is going to move.
Remember, you don’t want to do this roughly. There is no need to.
Just do it gently and make sure the lava lamp is moving as much as it needs to. This is essential.
3. Place a Higher Wattage Bulb Inside
You will want to think about going with a higher wattage bulb inside. This will ensure you don’t end up in a situation where even a little bit of additional heat from the bulb would have gotten the job done.
Sometimes, people will attempt difficult solutions when something as simple as this is enough.
Start with the light bulb change and see if that helps with the lava lamp wax.
4. Be Patient
The last step is to be patient.
This is one of the most important details people don’t think about when it comes to a lava lamp. You should not assume the lava lamp is going to start working right away.
It will take a bit of time to get the lava lamp wax unstuck and that’s normal. If it has been in that state for a bit then you are going to have to use a wide array of methods including the ones listed above.
Follow each step and make sure you are taking your time during the process. The more you rush, the worse the results are going to be.
Final Thoughts
My lava lamp wax is stuck at the top!
If your lava lamp wax is stuck at the top, it’s recommended to move the lava lamp in a circular motion and place it near a heat source (i.e. hairdryer). The goal is to get the heat to reduce the wax’s grip at the top causing it to eventually dribble down.
This is going to take a bit of time but it will be well worth the effort as soon as the lava lamp begins working again.
Be patient and methodical with your approach. This is the only way to see the results you are hoping for.
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